Washington State New Hire Reporting Guide for 2026 - 2027

Washington State employers need to ensure a proper understanding of Washington State New Hire Reporting Requirements. The law requires employers to report important new hire information to the state.

Here is everything employers need to know about how to report new hires in Washington State. 

Washington State New Hire Reporting Guide

Businesses in Washington State need to submit the required information to the state when they hire new employees. This is referred to as “New Hire Reporting”.

New Hire Reporting in Washington is administered by the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services. Requirements are outlined by Washington New Hire Reporting Law (RCW 26.23.040).

Under Washington State Labor Laws, employers must report new hires within 20 days of the hire date. 

A “new hire” is considered as:

• An employee that has not worked for the employer before
• An employee that has returned to work for the employer after a separation of at least 60 consecutive days 
• An employee that has started working for the employer under a new Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN)

Required Information for Washington State New Hire Reporting

Washington State employers need to ensure that certain information is ready to go before beginning to report new hires. This required information includes both employee and employer information.

Employee information includes:

• Name
• Address
• Social Security Number (SSN)
• Date of Birth
• Date of Hire

Employer information includes: 

• Business Name
• Business Address
• Federal Employer ID Number (FEIN)

Sole proprietor businesses or newly established businesses planning to hire employees in New Hampshire must first register the business in compliance with the state's registration requirements. Using a business registration service can streamline the setup process and ensure employers meet New Hampshire's withholding and tax requirements before bringing on new hires.

How to Report New Hires in Washington State

Employers have a choice in how new hire information can be reported, though the state prefers that reporting be done online / electronically. 

Online Reporting

Employers in Washington State are encouraged to report new hires using the Secure Access Washington (SAW) Portal. Additionally, the DCS Online service should be added to an employer’s SAW account.

Physical Reporting

Employers still have the option to either mail, fax, or call in to report new hires. 

Employers using the fax option can submit any of the following:

• W-4 forms (add the employee’s date of birth and the date of hire)
• Computer printout forms
• Other lists (except I-9 forms)
• New Hire Reporting Form (DSHS form 18-463)

Employers choosing to mail in new hire reporting information can use any of the following:

• W-4 forms (add the employee’s date of birth and the date of hire)
• A form equivalent to a W-4 (using 10 - 12 point font)
• New Hire Reporting Form (DSHS form 18-463)

Employers choosing to call in new hire reporting information should be aware that the state’s operators are only available to take reports during regular business hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. 

Fax:
800-782-0624

Phone:
800-562-0479

Mail:
New Hire Program
PO Box 9023
Olympia, WA 98507-9023

First Time Reporting

Employers reporting new hires for the first time need only to report employees hired since his or her last quarterly report to the Employment Security Department. This is because the online portal only accepts dates of hire that are one year in the past or 90 days in the future.

Out-of-State and Multi-State Employers

If an out-of-state employer moves an existing employee to or has an employee that moves into Washington state, then the employer only needs to report the “new hire” if the employee is working under a new FEIN.

Employers doing business in multiple states may register with the federal Office of Child Support Enforcement (OCSE) and report all new hires and rehires to one state. Employers can either register online using the Child Support Portal or fill out a Multistate Employer Registration Form for New Hire Reporting.

Exceptions to New Hire Reporting Requirements in Washington State

Washington state recognizes Indian tribal sovereignty. 

As such, Indian tribes, tribally-owned businesses, and Indian-owned businesses located on reservations are exempt from new hire reporting.

The state still encourages and appreciates the voluntary reporting of new or rehired employees.

Start Reporting New Hires in Washington State

Failure to adhere to Washington State New Hire Reporting Requirements can result in hefty fines. As such, employers should understand when and who should be reported, and with what detail. 

Employers seeking help may want to reach out to a Washington payroll company, which often offers new hire reporting services or solutions that can help with reporting.

To find a provider, contact us today and start reporting your new hires. 

Guest Author: Lori Brown

Lori Brown, CEO of PayNW a leading Washington payroll and HR services company, took the reins in September 2021 from founder Mike Anderson. Growing PayNW from $500K to $13M in annual revenue, Lori has maintained a 96% client retention rate, year over year. She is a talented leader, with extensive experience in payroll, Human Capital Management, Employee Retention Credit (ERC) efforts, and more. Lori was elected to the board of the Independent Payroll Processors Association in 2021 and is a Puget Sound Business Journal 40 Under 40 honoree. She is a mom of three and has been happily married for the past 24 years.